Effective Fall 2025, DGS will become the Division of Exploratory Studies. Same mission; new name.

Computer Science & Advertising

Major Description

Facing the increasing dominance of technology companies such as Facebook and Google in advertising, the CS+ADV degree is aimed at preparing students for a career in the new digital advertising ecosystem. In this new ecosystem, successful careers not only involve understanding and applying concepts in Computer science (e.g. “big data”; "automation", “real-time systems") to different aspects of Advertising but also infusing a strategic and creative thinking in the design and creation of new technologies. Students in CS+ADV will graduate with a thorough understanding of the CS core and a new advertising curriculum adapted to the emerging digital advertising space. Armed with this interdisciplinary learning experience, graduates of the CS+ADV program will be attractive to large advertising agencies, leading brands, and digital media and technology companies.

Courses That Introduce the Major:
  • CS 124—Intro to Computer Science 1
  • CS 128—Intro to Computer Science 2 
  • CS 173 - Discrete Structures
  • CS 225 - Data Structures
  • MATH 220/221- Calculus/Calculus I
  • ADV 150 - Introduction to Advertising 
Possible Career Opportunities:
No
  • Computer Programmer
  • Data analyst
  • Marketing Coordinator
  • Media Buyer
  • Public Relations Director
  • Software Engineer
  • Web designer
  • Analytical Skills
  • Data Analysis
  • Teamwork
  • Critical Thinking
  • Problem Solving
  • Communication Skills
Enhancing Your Academic Experience
  • Participating in undergraduate research
  • Applying for a study abroad experience
  • Utilizing resources of The Career Center
  • Joining a Registered Student Organization (RSO) related to this major, such as:
    • American Advertising Federation at Illinois: offers professional development opportunities in advertising through a nationally accredited organization
    • Women in Computer Science: Women in Computer Science is a non-profit, educational, service organization dedicated to supporting the efforts of young women who are considering pursuit of a career in computer science or show an overall interest in computers.